Use of Antifreeze in Closing

[ssteven125]

Moved from here.
nice thread, i have been thinking about this and found this thread. maybe if antifreeze was added to the skimmer line this could help if there was leak from the main drain valve, with a plug at the pump and no separate shutoff valve for the skimmer lines.

 

[Catanzaro]

Antifreeze in the skimmer lines is fine, and not needed in the main drain. There is room for expansion on the main drains. I doubt water will freeze 6' to 8'. The skimmers, depending on the area is recommended as well. There is latent heat in the ground 3' to 4' deep. Most pipes crack underground because of the force of root systems, and not necessarily freezing water. However, winterizing is always your best option.

 

[ajw22]

Consult the Frost Line map for your area. Any pipes, returns, or drains below the frost line for your area are not at risk of freezing. The key is to clear water from pipes above the frost line.

 

[ssteven125]

unfortunately i have a leak for the diverter valve, and this controls both the skimmer and main drain lines, so i attempted to circumvent this by performing the following. first i made sure the skimmer line was clear of water and had antifreeze in it, then plugged with a gizmo in the skimmer. i then blew the main drain out, shut the valve to the main drain, then let the air run a little bit before i plugged the pipe from the diverter to the pump. i think air would go into the skimmer line some and as well as fill the pipe from the valve to pump. does this make sense or should i bite the bullet and have the valve changed? thanks for your help.